In the spring, we have a mad craving to get away from the sounds of construction, the gravel whipping our faces when the wind blows, the dust, and the smells of the city thawing out. It’s only natural, after all. We want to go breathe in the fresh forest air, dip our toes in the cold water, and commune with nature.
Since we don’t always have time to spend a week deep in the woods chatting with the first frogs of the year, we can spend the day on Île Saint-Bernard—it’s much simpler, and right near Montreal.
You can even get there by public transit, taking the metro and then a bus (instructions are at the end of the article). By car, it’s a half-hour drive from downtown Montreal. To commune with white-tailed deer, birds, and snapping turtles, it’s not very far.
The Marguerite d’Youville Wildlife Refuge
The Île Saint-Bernard Wildlife Refuge is very close to downtown Montreal, butthe boardwalks suspended above the marshes give the impression of a stroll through a parallel world. The trees, mainly maples and oaks, turn green quickly in the spring, and tall grasses grow rapidly above the water.
The serene atmosphere—it’s a sanctuary for local wildlife—makes this forest a must-visit for nature lovers as it comes back to life in the spring.You can download the trail map here!
You can see white-tailed deer, rabbits, plenty of birds that come to nest, frogs and toads, turtles, foxes, bats… Don’t forget your camera and rain boots.
After the walk, we recommend stopping by Café de l’Île for a quiche, a mocktail, or a coffee. It’s an eco-friendly café attached to the Marguerite d’Youville Wildlife Reserve.
Where? Café de l’Île, at 480 Boulevard D’Youville, Châteauguay
Practical Information
How far is it from Montreal?30–40 minutes by car, 1 hour 30–45 minutes by public transit (take the Green Line to Angrignon metro station, then bus 31 to the Châteaugay Regional Centre, and bus 25 to Edmour/Vinet Ouest)
Where?480 Boulevard d’Youville, Châteaugay
When?The Pavillon de l’Île is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the Café de l’Île is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
How much?Daily trail access: $9.30 for adults, $6.85 for children (available only at the island pavilion)
Dogs allowed?No
For more information, click here